By Osher Havri, 2026 Rosh Mishlachat and Rosh Alufim

Coming back to camp this summer as Rosh Mishlachat felt very different from my previous years here. I returned with more responsibility, but more importantly, with a greater opportunity to influence the experience of the Israeli delegation and the way we are part of the larger camp community.

One of the things that mattered most to me this summer was making sure that every member of the Mishlachat felt that they had a place here. Being part of a Mishlachat can sometimes feel like being between two worlds — we come from Israel, with our own language, culture, humor, and way of looking at things, and suddenly we find ourselves in a very American camp environment. I wanted the Israelis to feel that they didn’t have to choose between being Israeli and being part of camp. They could bring all of who they are with them.

I think the Mishlachat brings something very special to camp. We bring a different kind of energy, a strong sense of Israeli identity, and a level of maturity that adds another layer to the community. But what makes this relationship so meaningful is that it goes both ways. Camp gives Israelis a home away from home — a place where they are appreciated and welcomed not despite being Israeli, but in many ways because of it. There is something incredibly powerful about feeling that a place so far from Israel can still make you feel understood and valued for who you are.

One of my favorite things to watch is what happens with the new shlichim when they first arrive. Almost every year, they experience some kind of culture shock. The food, the language, the way people communicate, the camp traditions — everything can feel unfamiliar at first. But slowly, something changes. They start understanding the culture, laughing at the same jokes, getting excited about camp traditions, and eventually even adopting parts of this culture as their own. Watching someone go from feeling like an outsider to feeling completely at home is one of the most meaningful parts of this experience for me.

At the same time, I have watched the American community become more connected to Israel through the Mishlachat. Our presence gives campers and staff a chance to know Israel through real relationships — through conversations, friendships, laughter, and everyday camp life. We are not just bringing Israel to camp through programs; we are bringing it through ourselves.

This summer reminded me that being Rosh Mishlachat is not only about supporting the Israelis. It is about building a bridge between two communities and helping both sides feel that they belong. I am proud that I got to help create a space where Israelis could be fully themselves while also becoming an important part of the camp community.

After three years at camp, I think that is what “home” means to me here. It doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from or becoming someone else. It means finding a place where you can bring all of yourself — and discovering that there is room for you there.